US2352183A - Control mechanism - Google Patents

Description

June 27, 1944. p U 31: 2,352,183

CONTROL MECHANISM- Filed Aug. 25, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 1944- E. P. BULLARD, an

CONTROL MECHANISM Filed Aug. 23, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 @EEEEEEEEE [N VENTOR EdwardPBuZlarJfl A TT RNE Y Patented June 27, 1944 I coN'raoL' MECHANISM Edward P. Bullal'il, m, Falrfield, com, albi o:

to The Bullard Connecticut ompany, a corporation of Application August 23, 1940, Serial No. 353,935

43 Claims.

This invention relates to control mechanisms, and particularly to an automatic control mechanism for apparatus including one or more members each adapted to be moved in either direction along one or more paths at a plurality of speeds.

The principal object of this invention is to provide apparatus including one or more members adapted to be moved in either direction along separate paths at a plurality of speeds by means, the activity of which is initiated by a source of power separate from that incident to, but which source is rendered effective by the motion of said members.

Other objects include, the provision of an automatic control mechanism for apparatus including one or more members adapted to be moved along separate paths at various rates, wherein the control is adapted to be set for re-producing' every direction and rate, or sequence of directions and rates of movement of said members that can be accomplished with the apparatus by an individual; and the provision of a plurality of appliances each including one or more members adaptedto be moved along separate paths at a plurality of rates by means, the activity of which is init ated by a source of power separate from that incident to, but which source is rendered effective by the motion of said members, and in which any member of any of the appliances is capable of rendering effective any of said separate sources of power.

The above, as well as other objects and novel features of the invention, will become apparent from the following specification and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of apparatus embodying the principles of the invention;

Figure'2 is an end elevational view, looking from left to right along line 2--2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an electrical circuit for three sets of apparatus similar to that of Fig. 1, arranged in cooperative relationship;

Figure 4 is an elevational view taken substantiallyalong line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Figure 5 is an enlarged eleva ional view looking from right to left along line 5-5 of Fig. 1; and

Figure 6 is a diagram of a cycle of movement of a member controlled by apparatus embodying the principles of the invention.

The principles of the invention have been shown dagrammatically in their simplest form, and they will be described without regard to any specific machine because they can -'be applied with equal facility to any type of apparatus including one or more members adapted to be moved along one or more paths.

Referring to Fig. 1', a member In is adapted to be moved along slide bearings ll formed in a member l2; the member I2 is adapted to be moved along ways l3 on a member l4; and the member H is adapted to be moved along a line at right angles to the plane of Fig. 1. Accordingly, the member ill may be moved in three separate directions at right angles to each other and, therefore, to any point in space by combiningits motion in the three directions.

Referring to Figs. 1 and ,2, the member I2 is adapted to be moved along the ways I! by the rotation of a screw l5 that is threaded into a boss IS on the back of member l2. The member I0 is adapted to be moved along the slide bearings II by the rotation of a splined shaft ll on which a spur gear i8 is adapted to slide and to be rotated upon rotation of shaft l The width of a groove IS in slide l0 (Fig. 2), is equal to the thickness of the gear I! so that the latter is moved with members Ill and I2 along ways l3. The gear is adapted to mesh with a rack 20 fixed to the back of the member I 0, and located at the bottom of the groove I9. The member I4 is provided with an internally-threaded boss 2| (Fig. 2) integral with member ll, extending from its underside and into which a screw 22 is threaded. Accordingly, rotation of screw I5 will move the member l0 and .the member l2 along the ways l3, rotation of the splined shaft I! will move the member it] along the bearings H, and rotation of the screw 22 will move the entire assembly at right angles to the plane of Fig. 1. Rotation of the screws i5, 22 and shaft I1 is effected by a transmission T driven by a variablespeed motor 23. The transmission comprises three pairs of oppositely rotatable gears 24, 25; 26, 21; and 28, 29. The shaft of motor 23 supports a relatively long gear 30 that meshes with gears 24 and 26. An additional relatively long gear 3|, on a stub shaft parallel with the shaft of motor 23, is adapted to partially overlap gear 30 and to mesh therewith. Gears 25 and 21 are adapted to mesh with the gear 3l. Since gear 3| is rotated by gear 30, gears 25 and 21 are rotated oppositely to that of gears 24 and 26."

Theshaft of motor 23 likewise supports an ad-v ditional relatively long gear 32 that meshes with gear 28. A gear 33, similarly mounted as gear at. meshes with gear 32, and also with gear 29. The units including gears 24, 25; 26, 21 and 28, 29

comprise separate means for moving the member I6 along its three paths of motion.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, shaft l1 and screw I6 are provided with bevel gears 84, 86 that mesh with bevel gears 86, 81 splined to vertically-disposed shafts 88, 88, respectively. The gears 36, 81 are adapted to slide along shafts 88; 88, remaining in mesh with gears 84, 86 as the assembly is moved at right angles to the plane of Fig. 1. Additional bevel gears 46, 4| are fixed to the upper ends of shafts 88, 88 and they mesh with bevel gears 42, 48 keyed to shafts 44, 46, respectivelv. The shafts 44, 46 are adapted to support gears 24, 28 and 26, 21 for free rotation. Clutches 46, 41 are splined to shafts 44, 46, respectively, and they are provided with teeth that are adapted to engage corresponding teeth on screw 22 and it meshes with a bevel gear 48 onone end of a shaft 66. Another bevel gear 6| keyed to the opposite end of shaft 66 meshes with a bevel gear 62 keyed to one end of a shaft 68. A bevel gear 64 on the opposite end of shaft 68 meshes with a bevel gear 66 keyed to one end of a shaft 86. A bevel gear 61 on the opposite end 'of shaft 86 meshes with a bevel gear 66 keyed to a shaft 68 on which gears 28, 28 are mounted for free rotation. A clutch 66 is splined to shaft 68 between gears 28, 28 and it is provided with teeth that are adapted to mesh with corresponding teeth on the adjacent faces of gears 28, 28. Accordingly, shifting clutch 66 will effect the rotation of screw 22 in a forward and reverse direction causing the assembly including members I6, I2 and I4 to be moved along a path at right angles to the plane of Fig. 1.

'The clutches 46, 41 and 66 may be shifted into and out of engagement with the gears 24, 26; 28, 21 and 28, 28 by any automatic means such as electromotive means, fluid-operated means, etc. Although these clutches may be moved by any automatic means, they are shown, and will be described as being shifted by fluid-operated means. A shifting'arm 6|, adapted to engage a groove in the clutch 48, is fixed to a pull-rod 62. The opposite end of pull-rod 62 is fixed to a piston 68 within acylinder 64. A stationary frame member 66 is provided with a passage that is bored, counterbored and threaded. The pull rod 62 extends through the passage in member 66, and an adjustable gland 66 on rod 62 is threaded into one end of said passage forming a chamber with the end of the counterbored portion thereof. Collars 61, loose on rod 62, are positioned within the chamber, and a preloaded compression spring 68 is located between collars 61 urging them against opposite ends of said chamber. The rod 62 is provided with reduced portions, one of which abuts the one collar 61 and the other providing means for threading a nut 68 thereon into abutting relation with the other collar 61. The construction and arrangement are such that the spring 68 normally urges the clutch 46 into its. neutral position.

The cylinder 64 is adapted to be: supplied with fluid under pressure through a valve body V having valves 16 and 1|. A source of fluid under pressure is adapted to be directed through a line 12 into the valve body V, thence through a and 1| communicate with an exhaust line 14 through an additional port 18 in the valve body V.

The right-hand side of cylinder 64 is connected to the valve body V by a line 16, while the lefthand side of said cylinder is connected to said body by a line 11. The valves 16 and 1| are normally urged downwardly by springs 18 and 18, and the construction of these valves is such that while in their downward position, the opposite sides of the piston 68 are in communication with the exhaust passage 14 through the port 16, and spring 66 centralizes the piston 68 in cylinder 64, thereby neutralizing clutch 46. Upon movement of either valve 16 or 1| to its upper limit, against the action of spring 18 or 18, communication is established between the piston 68 and the supply passage 12 through the port 18 and the lines 16 or 11. Such upward movement of valves 16 and 1| cuts off communication between exhaust port 16 and lines 16 and 11.

The clutch 41 is likewise provided with a shifting rod 82, and a pull-rod 88 connected to a piston 84 within a cylinder 86. The clutch 41 is resiliently urged to a neutral position by a spring 86 in the same manner that spring 66 tends to neutralize clutch 46. The right and left sides of cylinder 86 are connected to the valve body V by lines 88 and 68, respectively. A pair of valves 86, 8| is provided in the valve body V for supplying fluid under pressure to, and exhausting it from the cylinder 86 in the same manner that valves 16 and 1| control the supply of fluid to, and exhaust it from the cylinder 64.

The clutch to is also provided with a shifting rod 82 and a pull rod 88 connected to a piston 84 within a cylinder 86. The clutch 66 is resiliently urged to a neutral position by a spring 86 in the same manner that spring 68 tends to neutralize clutch 46. The right and left sides of cylinder 88 are connected to the valve body V by lines 88 and 88, respectively. An additional pair of -valves I66, I 6| is provided in the valve body V for supplying fluid under pressure to, and exhausting it from the cylinder 86 in the same manner that valves 16 and 1| control the supply of fluid to, and exhaust it from the cylport 1: to both valves 10 and II. The valves 10 7 inder 64.

The valves 16, II, 86, 8|, I66 and III are adapted selectively to be moved to their upper position for controlling the shifting of the clutches 46, 41 and 66 in either direction and in accordance with any predetermined order. This means comprises a movable member I62 which, in the embodiment disclosed, is shown as a drum adapted to be rotated on the shaft I62 in a. stepby-step fashion. The drum I62 is provided with circumferential T-slots I68 adapted adjustably to support dogs I64 that cooperate with the stems of valves 16, 1|, 86, 8|, I66 and IM to raise the valves andthereby selectively effect shifting of the clutches 46, 41 and 66. A disc I 81, arranged to be moved with drum' I62, is provided with ad justable means for selectively actuating a variable-resistance X connected in ,series with the motor 28 for changing the rate at which the transmission T is operated, and consequently the rate at which members I6, I2 and I4 are moved along their respective paths. Referring to Fig. 5, the disc I 61 includes a plurality of radially-disposed series of openings, equal in number to that of the step-by-step positions of the drum I62. Abutments I611 are adapted to be mounted selectively on the disc I61 for cooperation with a lever I68 that is resiliently urged into engagement with said abutments. The lever I66 ineludes, at its one end, a contact member I001 that is adapted to slide over \the contacts of the variable-resistance X.

The step-by-step indexing of the drum I02" and disc I01 is adapted to be eiIected by any and then remain inactive until re-started at a later time. In the embodiment disclosed, the

means employed to index drum I02 is inde-.

pendent of the force required to move member .5 suitable means which, upon being'started, will perform one indexing movement of the drum I02 I0, but is rendered effective in response to the motion of member I0. One form of meansv for starting and stopping of the motor I05 is effected by a cam-operated electrical circuit maker and breaker to be described'later. The crank I is provided with a roll adapted to passinto and out of a plurality of radial slots (Fig. 3) formed in a member I03 that rotates with the drum I02 and the disc I01, thereby to give ,a Geneva stop motion to said drum and disc. The number of radial slots may vary widely in any given design. During each index movement, the drum I02 is turned through a definite number of degrees. In order to facilitate the setting of the dogs I04 during a set-up period, they may be provided with an index line adapted to register with lines I04 on drum I02, which latter are spaced about drum I02 a number of degrees equal H3 is adapted to seat when the switch is open.

The drum H0 is adapted to be moved ax ally in either direction to effect closing of the switch I I3, which is connected in series with the motor I05. The drum H0 is fixed to a shaft II4 that is adapted to be mounted for slight axial movement. and to extend within a bored, counterbored and threaded passage in a stationary frame member II5. A gland III? on the shaft H4 is threaded into the passage in member I I5, forming a chamber with the counterbored portion thereof. Collars II1, loose on shaft I I4, are positioned within the chamber, and a preloaded compression spring H0 is located therebetween, urging them against opposite ends of said chamber. The shaft H4 is provided with a reduced portion forming a shoulder that abuts one of the collars H1, and a nut is threaded onto the end of shaft H4 in abutting relation with the other collar. The construction and arrangement of member H5 and its associated parts are such as to normally position the drum IIO axially whereby the roller on member N2 of switch II3 seats within the groove I I I. Accordingly, slight axial movement of drum IIO in'either direction will close switch II3, starting motor I05 thereby effectinga single indexing of drum I02.

Slight axial movement of the drum H0 is adapted to be effected in response to the position member I0 may assume along the path defined by the bearings I I. Accordingly, shaft 44 is provided with a screw thread II3 on which a non-rotatable axially-movable nut I20 is mounted. The threads IIO are of such pitch that upon rotation of shafts 44 and H, the movement of nut I20 will be proportional to themovement of member [I0 along bearings II. The drum '0 is provided with axially-extending circumferentially-dlsposed 'Tqslots -I2I in which dogs I22 are adjustably located.' A finger I23 on the nut I20 is adapted to engage dogs I22 to effect movement of the drum 1 I0. V

A'drum I24, similar to drum H0, is mounted adjacent to, and parallel with the shaft 45 in the same manner that drum IIO ismounted with respect to shaft 44. The shaft 45 is provided with a thread I25 on which a non-rotatable nut I20 is mounted that moves axially in proportion to the movement of members I0 and I2 along the ways I3 of member I4. The drum I24 is provided with slots I21 within which axially-adjustable dogs are mounted for cooperation with a finger I23 of the nut I20 in thesame way that dogs I22 cooperate with finger I23 of nut .I20. A switch I30, connected in parallel with switch H3, is adapted to be closed upon slight axial movement of drum I24. all in the manner as described in connection with the closing of switch '3 by the axial movement of drum IIO.

A drum I3I, similar to drum H0, is mounted adjacent to, and parallel with the shaft 53 in the same manner that drum H0 is mounted with respect to shaft 44. The shaft 53 also is provided with a thread I32 on which a non-rotatable nut I33 is mounted thatmoves axially in proportion to the movement of the member I 4 on the screw 22. The drum "I is provided with slots I34 within which axially-adjustable dogs I35 are mounted for cooperation with a finger I35 of the nut I33 in the same way that dogs I22 cooperate with finger I23 of nut I20. An additional switch I31, connected in parallel with switches H3 and I30, is adapted to be closed upon slight axial movement of drum "I, all in the manner as previously described in connection with the closing of switch II3 by the axial movement of drum IIO.

The drums I02, IIO. I24 and I3I are geared together through spur gears I30, I33, I40, I, I42, I43 and I44. Gear I30 is mounted for rotation with drum I02 while gears I39, I42 and I44 are splined to shaft H4 and the shafts onwhich drums I24 and I3I are mounted, respectively.

Gears I40, I and I43 are idle gears. This coninitiate the next succeeding indexing of drum I02.

Immediately upon the indexing of drums IIO. I24, I3I they are returned by the spring II8 of drum H0, and the corresponding springs for drum I24 and I3I to a normal position causing switches II3, I30 or I31 to be opened. In order to insure a complete single revolution of motor I05 before stopping, a switch I45 is connected in series with motor I05, and in parallel with switches II3, I30, I31. A cam. I45 is fixed to the shaft of motor I05, and its contour is such that switch I45 is open while the motor I05 is at rest, but when, upon closing of any of the switches I I3,

I30 or I31, the motor I starts, switch I45 also closes and remains closed sufliciently long to insure a single complete revolution of crank I06. The drums I02, IIO, I24 and I3I are adapted to be pre-set by the operator each time it is desired to produce a different cycle of operation of member I0. This pro-setting oi said drums is to be distinguished from the designing of certain types of automatic machinery in which a pre-determined fixed cycle of operation is built into the machine.

By virtue of the adjustable nature of the dogs I04, I22, I20, I35 and abutments I011 on drums I02, IIO, I24, I 3I and disc I01, respectively, a substantially limitless number oi. diilerent cycles of operations of member Il may be performed, and the number of changes in the direction and rate of movement of member I0 within each cycle will be limited only by the number of index positions these drums may assume. Since only a slight amount of motion is required of the drums I02, IIO, I24, I3I and disc I01inmoving dogs I04, I22, I20, I35 and abutments I011 into and out of cooperating position with the stems of the valves for clutches 44, 41, 00, the fingers I23, I29, I30, and lever I03, respectively, it is evident that a great number of index positions of drums I02, IIO, I24 and I3I may be provided with drums of practical size, and that a correspondingly large number of directions, rates, times of starting and stopping of motions of the member I0 may be accomplished in any desired cycle. Additionally. since each new direction, or rate of movement of member I0, is selected only upon the conclusion of the last preceding motion of the member, it is evident that any error that might be involved in initially setting the apparatus will not be accumulative. Furthermore, since each change in direction or rate of motion of the member I0 is initiated by indexing the drum I02, and drums IIO, I24 and I3I are indexed with drum I02 whereby a nut I20, I25 or I33 cooperates with a selectively-positioned dog I22, I28 or I35 in a single slot I 2|, I21 or I34 for each such change in direction or rate of motion, it is evident that within each cycle of operation oi member I0, said member may be moved throughout different overlapping strokes along the same path without affecting the setting of the apparatus for repeating the cycle of operation.

From the foregoing it is evident that this invention provides means for moving a member along one. or more paths a relatively great number of times within a cycle of operation and for selecting the path. direction and/or rate of each movement of said member within said cycle. This invention also provides means for moving one or more members in either direction along one or more paths at a plurality of speeds to perform various cycles of operation wherein each cycle may include a plurality of sub-cycles. Such a sub-cycle of operation may be defined as a plurality of motions of a member at one or more speeds along one or more paths, starting from and substantially returning to a given point. Although a cycle of operation may not include sub-cycles of the above defined type. those which do include them may be defined as the repetition of identical groups of sub-cycles of which at least two sub-cycles are diiferent.

The longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-disposed lines I04 on drum I02 comprise portions each of which is adapted adjustably to be set for causing member II to produce any function of which it is capable. The drums H0,

I24 and III include longitudinally extending portions I2I, I21 and I34, one for each of the portions I04 on drum I02 for controlling the duration of the function set up on the corresponding portion I04. The gears I30, I39, I40, "I, I42, I43 and I44maintain all of these portions in exact phase relation at all times.

Operation To better illustrate the capabilities of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, the initial setting of the apparatus will be described for repeatedly performing a relatively simple cycle of operation of member I0 at a constant rate of motion. 01' course, it is to be understood that the cycle may include any number or sequence of the directions and rates of movement of which the member I0 is capable. Furthermore, the setting of the apparatus for any other cycle, including any number of directions and rates of movement of member I0 may be accomplished in substantially the same way.

Referring to Fig. 6, assume that it is desired to move member I0 from a starting point A along the :t-axis to B, thence along the y-axis to C (the a: and y axes being in the same plane), thence along the zaxis to D (the z axis being in a different plane than the axes a: and 11), and back through space to substantially the starting point A; and that it is then desired to move member I0 from the starting point A along the .B-axis to E, thence along the y-axis to F, thence along the z-axis to G, and back through space to substantially the starting point A.

Referring to Fig. 1, handwheels I41, I48 and I49 may be fixed to the shafts 44, 45 and 53 for facilitating the initial setting of the control mechanism. With the member I0 at the starting point, the motor 23 at rest, and the valves 10, 1|, 90, 9|, I00 and IOI in their lower position insuring that clutches 46, 41 and 60 are in neutral, the handwheel I48 is rotated in a direction and an amount suflicient to move member I0 along the :c-axis (Fig. 6) from A to B, and a dog I29 in a slot I21 adjacent nut I26 is moved into engagement with the finger I29. .A complementary movement of one of the dogs I04 on drum I02 must be made so that upon indexing the drum, valve I00 will be raised to connect the right side of cylinder with the supply line 12,

'and all other dogs I04 are so adjusted as not to cooperate with the other valves when the drum I02 is indexed. Accordingly, valve IOI as well as all other valves except valve I00 remains in their lower positions thereby connecting the left side of cylinder 95 to the exhaust line 14. The drum I02 is then indexed, thereby locating the next succeeding slots I2I, I21 and I 34 of cylinders IIO, I24 and I3I adjacent the shafts 44, 45 and 53. The handwheel I49 is then rotated in a direction and an amount necessary to cause member I0 to move from point B along the yaxis to C, and a dog I35 is positioned in the slot I34 adjacent the nut I33 so that it contacts finger I36 thereof. A complementary movement of another dog I04 must be made in the slot I03 of drum I02, which slot is in line with valve 10, such that upon the next indexing of drum I02, valve 10 will be raised to connect the right side of cylinder 64 with the inlet 12. The remaining dogs I04 that have not been set are so adjusted as not to cooperate with the other valves when the drum I 02 is again indexed. Accordingly, valve 1| remains in its low position thereby connecting the left side of cylinder 04 to the exhaust line 14.

The drum I02 is again indexed to locate the next succeeding slots I2I, I21 and I34 of drums IIO, I24 and III adjacent shafts 44, 45 and 53. The handwheel I41 is rotated in a direction, and an amount sufllcient to move the member I from point C along the z-axis to D, and a dog I22 is positioned to engage the finger I23 of nut I20. A complementary movement of dogs I04 on drum I02 must be made so that upon the next indexing of cylinder I02, they will raise valves 9|, IOI and H thereby connecting the left-hand sides of cylinders 05, and 64 to the supply line 12. The remaining un-set dogs I04 are so adjusted as not to cooperate with the valves 30, I00 and 10 when the drum I02 is again indexed whereby, upon such indexing of drum I02, the right-hand sides of cylinders 85, 95 and 64 are open to the exhaust line 14. The drum I02 is again indexed to locate the'next succeeding slots I2I, I21 and I34 of drums IIO, I24 and I3I adjacentshafts 44, 45 and 53. Handwheels I41, I48 and I49 are rotated in a direction, and an amount suflicient to cause member I0 to move from point D substantially to its starting point A, closing the path of its movement. A dog I22, I28 or I35 is positioned to engage fingers I23, I29 or I36. A complementary movement of a dog I04 must then be made so that upon the next indexing of the drum I02 valve 90 will be raised to connect the righthand side of cylinder 85 with the supply line 12. The remaining un-set dogs I04 are so adjusted as not to cooperate with the other valves when the drum I02 is again indexed whereby the lefthand side of cylinder 85 is open to the exhaust line 14. The handwheel I48 is again rotated in the direction and an amount necessary to move member I0 from point A along the :r-axis to point E. The procedure of setting additional dogs I04, I22, I28, I35 on drums I02, IIO, I24, I3I and rotating handwheels I41, I48, I49 in the correct directions and amounts to move member I0 from point E, along the y-axis to point F, thence along the z-axis to point G, and finally back through space substantially to the starting point A is effected in the same manner described above with respect to setting the control for causing member I0 to move successively about the path A--B-CD--A'.

With the apparatus set as above-described, it is only necessary to start motor 23 and to index drum I02 to cause member I0 repeatedly and successively to move automatically about the irregular paths defined by A-BCDA; and A EFGA. The above procedure of setting a cycle of operation of the apparatus may be carried on indefinitely to include any number or sequence of the directions and/or rates of motion of which member I0 is capable. The number of different changes in direction and/ or rates of motion in a cycle is only limited by the number of positions to which the drums I02, III), I24 and I3I can be indexed, which number, as previously explained, may be very large with drums of practical size.

Any number of appliances, including one or more members such as member I0, may be cooperatively arranged to automatically perform a cycle in which may be produced any number or sequence of the directions and rates of motion of which the members are capable. That is to say, any of the plurality of control units may be started and stopped from the control drums I02 of any other unit.

Referring again to Fig. 1, wherein provision is made to control two additional appliances from the appliance disclosed, T-shaped slots I50, I5I are provided in the circumference of drum I02 in which dogs I52, I53 may be selectively located for closing switches I54, I55 that are, respectively, in circuits for other motors I051 and I052 that index control drums I021 and I022 of appliances similar to the one shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. 3, an electrical circuit is disclosed for three appliances similar to that of Fig. 1 arranged in cooperative relation. As shown, the motors I05, I051 and I052 are adapted to index control drums I02, I021 and I022, respectively. Each of the circuits include six switches in parallel for starting the motors I05, I 051 and I052. H32; I30, I301, I302; I31, I311, I312; and I45 I451, I452 arranged in the manner described with respect to the switches II3, I30, I31 and I45 of the appliance of Fig. 1. Additionally, the drum I02 contains means for closing switches I54 and I55 in the circuits for motors I051 and I052.

respectively; drum I021 contains similar means for closing switches I541 and I551 in the circuits for motor I05 and I052, respectively; and drum I022 contains similar means for closing switches I542 and I552 in the circuits for motors I05 and I051, respectively.

From'the foregoing description of Figs. 1 and 3, it is evident that a plurality of separate memhers is adapted repeatedly to perform various cycles of operation in each of which may be produced selectively a plurality of different directions and rates of motion of the members I0 in accordance with the setting of the dogs on the individual drums I02; that at any time during operation of one unit, the operation of another unit may be started; and that the units may be operated individually or simultaneously such that numerous functions may be performed by numerous members in accordance with any predetermined sequential order.

Although the various features of the control apparatus have been shown and described in detail to fully disclose one embodiment of the invention, it will be evident that numerous changes may be made in such details, and certain features may be used without others, without departing from the principles of the invention.

adapted to be moved along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; separate intermittentlymovable means associated with each appliance and adapted to be pre-set for controlling the member-moving means thereof to determine the path and rate of movement of said member; and means for initiating the activity of each of said pre-settable means in response to a preceding movement of any of said members.

3. Apparatus comprising in combination,means adapted to be moved; a movable member for controlling the movement of'said means; and an The circuit includes switches II3, H31,

element capable of a plurality of movements for initiating the movement of said control member, one of the movements of said movable element being synchronized with the movement of said control member, and another movement of said element being responsive to movement of said means and adapted to initiate the movement of said control member.

4. Apparatus comprising in combination, means adapted to be moved; a rotatable member for controlling the movement of said means; and an axially-movable rotatable element for initiating the rotation of said control member, the rotatable movement of said element being synchronized with the rotation of said control member, and the axial movement of said element being responsive to movement of said means.

5. Apparatus comprising in combination, means adapted to be moved; a movable member for controlling the movement of said means adapted to be indexed from one position to another; and an element adapted to be moved in a plurality oi directions in response to movement 01' said means for initiating the indexing of said control member and adapted to be indexed with said control member.

6. Apparatus comprising in combination, means adapted to be moved; a rotatable member for controlling the movement of said means; means for indexing said control member from one position to another; and a plurality of elements axially movable in response to movement of said means for initiating the indexing of said control member and adapted to be indexed from gre e position to another with said control mem- 7. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; means for moving said member; along said paths; forceexerting means for rendering said member-moving means effective; movable control means adapted selectively to actuate said force-exerting means for causing said member to move along any of said paths at any one of a plurality of speeds; and movable elements for initiating the movement of said control means in response to the position of said member along said paths, at least a portion of the movement of said elements being synchronized with the movement 01 said control means.

8. Apparatus comprising in. combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path at a plurality of speeds for performing a cycle of operation that may include a plurality of sub-cycles; a rotatable control element having adjustable means for independently selecting the direction and rate of movement of said member within each sub-cycle; and means for indexing said control element from one posimovement oi. said member; and means for each of said paths adapted to cooperate with means movable in proportion to the movement of said member at any point throughout the entire Path of travel of said member for determining the starting and stopping of motion of said member.

10. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; variable-speed transmission means for moving said member alon said paths at said plurality of speeds; control means adapted to be indexed in a step-by-step manner and including selectively adjustable means for cooperating with said transmission for selecting the paths and rates of movement of said member; and means responsive to the movement of said member and adapted to be indexed with said control means for detennining the distances said member moves along said paths.

11. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member; means for moving said member along a path for performing a cycle of operation that may include a plurality of sub-cycles; force-exerting means for controlling said member-moving means; means for independently selecting the direction of movement of said member within each sub-cycle; and a plurality of means adapted to engage means, movable in proportion to the movement of said member, at any point along the path of travel of said proportionally-movable means for rendering said selecting means effective, each of said plurality of means being adapted to be rendered inefiective relatively to said proportionally movable means substantially instantly after engagement therewith.

12. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member; means for moving said member along a plurality of paths; means for rendering said member-moving means efl'ective; means for independently selecting the paths and directions of movement of said member along said paths; and an element for each of the paths along which said member is adapted to move including a plurality of means adapted to cooperate with means. movable in proportion to the movement of said member, at predetermined points along the path of travel of said proportionally-movable means for rendering said selecting means eflective, each tion to another in response to a position said of said plurality of means being adapted to be rendered ineflective relatively to said proportionally movable means immediately after rendering said selective means effective.

13. Apparatus comprising, a member; -means-- A for moving said member along a plurality of paths; means for rendering said member-moving means eiifective; means for independently selecting the path, direction and rate of movement of said member; and a plurality of means adapted selectively to cooperate with means, movable in proportion to the movement of said member, for rendering said selecting means effective, each of said plurality of means being adapted to be rendered ineffective relatively to said proportionally movable means immediately after rendering said selecting means efiective.

14. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved along a plurality of paths; means for moving said member along said paths including driving means normally maintained in neutral; adjustable means for independently selecting a path and direction along which said member is to be moved including means for rendering active selected of said driving means; and means including an element for each of said plurality of paths adapted to simulate path, direction and rate of movement of each of said members; means for operating each of each selecting means to choose a succeeding path, direction and rate of movement for its member in response to the substantial completion of the movement of its member along a preceding selected path; and means associated with each of said selecting means for operating the other.

16. Variable-cycle apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path at a plurality of speeds a relatively great number of times within a cycle of operation; means for moving said member along said path at said speeds; means adapted selectively to be operated for controlling the operation of said member-moving means; pre-settable means adapted selectively to operate a plurality of means including selected of said control means to determine the direction and rate of each movement of said member within said cycle of operation; a source of power for operating said pre-settable means; and separate means for controlling successive movements of said member along said path, and responsive to the movement of said member at any point along its path of travel for determining when said source of power is to be rendered efiective.

17. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path at any one of a plurality of speeds; means for moving said member along said path at said speeds; means adapted selectively to be operated for controlling the operation of said member-moving means; pre-settable means adapted selectively to operate a plurality of means including selected of said control means; a source of power for operating said pre-settable means; and separate means for controlling successive movements of said member along said path, and responsive to the movement of said member for operating an electric circuit to render effective said source of power.

18. Variable-cycle apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path at a plurality of speeds a relatively great number of times within a cycle of operation; means for moving said member along said path at said speeds; means adapted selectively to be operated for controlling the operation of said member-moving means; pre-settable means adapted selectively to operate a plurality of means including selected of said control means to determine the direction and rate of each movement of said member within said cycle of operation; means for indexing said pre-settable means from station to station; a source of power for indexing said pre-settable means; and separate means for controlling successive movements of said member along said path, and responsive to the movement of said member at any point along its path of travel for determining when said source of power is to be rendered effective.

19. Variable-cycle apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path at a plurality-of speeds a relatively great number of times within a cycle of operation; means for moving said member along said path at said speeds; means adapted selectively to be operated for controlling the operation of said member-moving means; presettable means adapted selectively to operate a plurality of means including selected of said control means to select the direction and rate of each movement of said member within said cycle of operation; means for indexing said pre-settable means from station to station; a source of power for indexing said pre-settable means; means responsive to the movement of said member at any point along its path of travel for determining when said source of power is to be rendered effective; and means for indexingsaid determining means simultaneously with the indexing of said pre-settable means,

20. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; means for moving said member along said paths at said plurality of speeds; common means adapted to be pre-set and adapted to be indexed from station to station for rendering efiective said member-moving means for moving said member along any of said paths at any of said speeds; a source of power for indexing said common means; separate means for each path along which said member is adapted to be moved for determining when said source of power is to be rendered effective; and means for indexing said separate means simultaneously with the indexing of said common means.

21. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member; a support; means for providing relative movement between said member and support: means for controlling the means that provides the relative movement between said member and support; pre-settable means adapted to operate a plurality of means including selected of said control means; an additional source of power, separate from the power developed by the relative movement between said member and support, for

operating said pre-settable means; and separate means for controlling successive relative movements of said member and responsive to said relative movement at any point along the path thereof for determining when said additionalsource of power is to be rendered effective.

22. Apparatus comprising in combination, a support; a member; means for providing a plurality of relative movements between said member and support along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; means adapted to control said member-moving means for moving said member along said plurality of paths at any of said plurality of speeds; common means adapted to be pre-set for operating selected of said controlling means; an additional source of power, separate from the power developed by the relative movement between said member and support, for operating said common means; and means for each path along which said relative movements are to be effected including separate means responsive to every such relative movement for determining when said additional source of power is to be rendered effective.

23. Apparatus comprising in combination, a support; a member; means for providing relative movement between said member and support along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; means adapted to control said member-moving means for moving said member along any of said paths at any of said plurality of speeds; common means adapted to be pre-set for operating selected of said controlling means; an additional source of power, separate from the power developed by the relative movement between said member and support, for operating said common means; and separate means for each path along which said relative movement is to be effected and responsive to said relative movement for operating an electric circuit to render efiective said additional source of power.

24. Apparatus comprising in combination, a support; a member; means for providing relative movement between said member and support along a plurality oi paths and at a plurality of speeds; means adapted to control said membermoving means for moving said member along any of said paths at any of said speeds; common means adapted to be pre-set for operating selected of said controlling means; a source of power, independent of the force required to eil'ect the relative movement between said member and support for indexing said common means from station to station; separate means for each path along which said relative movement is to be eiiected for determining when said source of power is to be rendered eilective; and means for indexing said separate means from station to station simultaneously with the indexing of said common means.

25. Apparatus comprising in combination, a plurality of appliances, each including a member adapted to be moved in either direction at a plurality of speeds along a plurality of paths; separate means connected to each of said members for moving them along said paths at said plurality of speeds; means adapted selectively to be operated for controlling said member-moving means; common pre-settable means associated with each appliance adapted selectively to operate a plurality of means including selected of the control means for its member-moving means; a source of power for each appliance, independent of the force required to move its member, for operating its common pre-settable means; and separate means responsive to each movement of the member of each appliance for determining when the source of power for its common pre-settable means is to be rendered eiiective.

26. Apparatus comprising in combination, a plurality of appliances, each including a member adapted to be moved in either direction at a plurality of speeds along a plurality of paths; separate means connected to each member for moving it along the paths of its appliance; means adapted selectively to be operated for controlling the member-moving means of each appliance; common pre-settable means associated with each appliance adapted selectively to operate a plurality of means including selected of the control means for its member-moving means; an addiwithin a cycle of operation; pre-settable means including means adapted successively to be moved from position to position for controlling the movement of said member; means movable in" proportion to the movement of said member; and means for determining when said successively-movable means is to be moved including an element engageable with said proportionately movable means at any point along its path of travel and adapted instantly upon such engagement to be rendered ineffective relatively to said proportionately movable means.

28. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path; a control drum adapted to be pre-set and successively to be indexed from station to station for controlling the movement of said member; means movable in proportion .to the movement oi. said member; and means for determining when said control drum is to be indexed including an element engageable with said movtion to station for controlling the movement of said member; means movable in proportion to the movement of said member; means for determining when said control drum is to be indexed v including a drum on which an element is adapted tional source of power for each appliance, separate from that developed by the movement of its member, for operating its common pre-settable means; means responsive to the movement of the member of each appliance for determining when the additional source of power for its common pre-settable means is to be rendered effective; and means associated with the common pre-settable means for each of said appliances adapted selectively to render efiective the additional source 01' power for every other appliance.

27. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path a relatively great number of times adjustably to be mounted, said element being engageable with said movable means at any point along its path of travel and adapted instantly upon such engagement to be moved out of cooperative alignment relatively to said movable means; and means for simultaneously indexing said control drum and the drum on which said element is mounted.

30. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path; pre-settable means including means adapted successively to be moved from position to position for controlling the movement of said member; a source of power for moving said successively-movable means; means movable in proportion to the movement of said'member; and means for determining when said source of power is to be rendered eflective including an element engageable with said proportionately movable means at any point along its path of travel and adapted instantly upon such engagement to be rendered ineflective relatively to said proportionately movable means.

31. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a plurality of paths; pre-settable means including means adapted successively to be moved from position to position for controlling the movement of said member; separate means movable in proportion to the movement oi! said member along each of its paths of motion; and separate means for each of said paths for determining when said successively-movable means is to be moved, each including elements engageable with said separate movable means and adapted instantly upon such engagement to be rendered ineffective relatively to said separate movable means.

32. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a plurality of paths; a control drum adapted to be pre-set and successively to be indexed from station to station for controlling the movement of said member; separate means adapted to be moved proportionally as said member moves along each of its paths of motion; separate drums for each of said paths on which element are adapted adjustably to be mounted, for determining when said control drum is to be indexed, said elements being engageable with said separate movable means and adapted instantly upon such engagement to be moved out of cooperative position relatively to said movable means; and

- means for simultaneously indexing all of said drums.

33. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along a plurality of paths; common control means adapted to be pre-set including means adapted successively to be moved from position to position for controlling the movement of said member; a source oi power, independent of the force required to move said member, for moving said successively-movable means; separate means for each path, movable in proportion to the movement of said member along said path; and means for determining when said source of power is to be rendered effective including elements for each path along which said member is adapted to be moved, the elements of each path being engageable with the proportionately movable means for that path and adapted instantly upon such engagement to be rendered ineffective relatively to said proportionately movable means.

34. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; means for moving said member; means adapted to be pre-set for controlling said member-moving means to determine the path, direction and rate of motion of said member; a source of power separate from that developed by the movement of said member for intermittently moving said pre-settable means; and means along each path of movement of said member for controlling the starting and stopping of said member therealong, said means including separate means responsive to each movement of the member along said paths for determining when said separate source of power is to be rendered effective.

35. In an apparatus for producing a relatively lar e number of functions, a control member including a plurality of portions, each adapted selectively to be set for causing said apparatus to produce any function of which it is capable; means for moving said control member so that successive of said portions become eifective; means adapted to respond to each of said functions at any time during said functions for rendering eifective said moving means. said respon s ve means including a plurality of portions, one for each of said control-member portions; and means for maintaining all of 'said portions in exact phase relation at all times.

36. Variable-cycle apparatus comprising in combination. a member adapted to be moved in either direct on along a path at a plurality of member adapted adjustably to support means for cooperating with means, movable in proportion to the movement of said member, at any point along its .path of travel for controlling said control member; and means for maintaining said portions in exact phase relation at all times.

37. Apparatus comprising in combination, a

, member adapted to be moved in either direction along a path at any one of a plurality of speeds; means for moving said member along said path; a control member including a plurality of portions, each adapted selectively to be set for controlling said member-moving means; mean responsive to each movement of said member at any point along it path of travel for controlling the starting, stopping and duration of the next succeeding movement of said member including a plurality of portions, one for each of said control-member portions; and means for maintaining all of said portions in exact phase relation at all times.

38. Apparatu comprising in combination, a member adapted to be moved in either direction along aplurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; means for moving said member along said paths; a common control member including a plurality of portions, each adapted selectively to be set for controlling said member-moving means; separate means for each path along which said member is adapted to be moved for controlling the starting, stopping and duration of motion of said member along said path, each of said separate means including a plurality of portions, one for each of said control-member portions; and means for maintaining all of said portions in exact phase relation at all times.

39. Apparatus comprising in combination, a plurality of appliances each adapted to produce a relatively large number of functions; a control member for each of said appliances having a plurality of portions, each adapted selectively to be set for causing its appliance to produce any function of which it is capable; means for moving each of said control members so that successive of said portions become effective; means associated with each appliance adapted to respond to each of its functions at any time during said functions for rendering effective the moving means of its control member, said responsive means including a plurality of portions, one for each of its control member portions; means for maintaining all of the portions for each appliance severally in exact phase relation at all times; and means associated with each of said control members for rendering effective the control member of the other appliances.

40. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member; means for moving said member in either direction along a plurality of paths at a plurality of speeds; adjustable means adapted to be pre-set for controlling said member-moving means for determining the path, direction and rate of motion of said member; means for each path of movement of said member including separate adjustable means responsive to the movement of said member throughout its entire path of travel for controlling the starting and stopping of each motion of said member; and means for operating said pre-settable means.

41. Apparatus comprising in combination, a plurality of appliances each including a member adapted to be moved along separate paths at a plurality of speeds; means associated with each of said appliances and adapted to be pre-set for independently selecting the path, direction and rate 01' movement of its member; power-operated means associated with each appliance for operating its pre-settable means; and means associated with each of said appliance for initiating the activity of any of said power-operated means in response to a position any of said members may assume along their respective paths.

42. In an apparatus for producing a relatively large number of functions, control means including a plurality of portions, each adapted selectively to be set for causing said apparatus to produce any function of which it is capable; means adapted successively to render effective said portions; means adapted to respond to each 01' said functions at any time during said functions including a plurality of portions, one for each of said control-means portions, each adapted adjustably to be pre-set for initiating the activity of the means that renders said controlmeans portions eiIective; and means for maintaining all of said portions in exact phase relation at all times.

43. Apparatus comprising in combination, a member; means for moving said member along a path; a control for said member-moving means for causing said member to move a plurality of times along said path for diil'erent overlapping distances within a cycle or operation, said control including means having a plurality oi portions each adapted adjustably to be pre-set to effect the movement of said member in either direction along said path; means including a plurality of portions, one for each oi said control-means portions, each of which is adapted adjustably to be pre-set to terminate a movement of said member at any point along said path; and means for maintaining all of said portions in exact phase relation.

EDWARD P. BULLARD, III.

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